LPD News Blog

Stay informed with the Lakeland Police Department News Blog.

On October 25, at 2:12 am, the Lakeland Police Department responded to 800 US 98 (Bartow Rd) south of Hollingsworth Road in reference to a pedestrian hit by a car. Witnesses were southbound on US 98 in the inside lane and the vehicle that struck the pedestrian was directly behind them. The witness, Brianna White, saw an unidentifiable object lying in the roadway and quickly swerved to the left to avoid striking it.

The vehicle behind them, driven by Lawrence A. Glover , was unable to avoid striking the object lying in the roadway which was later identified as a white male pedestrian. Glover stated he did not realize what the object was until it was too late to avoid it. Glover was driving a 2012 Honda Accord, 2-dr.

The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at 2:24 am by PCEMS. The pedestrian was identified as William Michael Mintner (W/M; 06/05/97) by his Florida driver’s license. The next-of- kin notification was made by members of the Marion County Sheriff's Office.

The preliminary investigation revealed speed did not appear to have been a factor regarding the traffic crash and the officer did not observe any clues or indicators that Glover was impaired. It’s unknown why William Mintner was lying in the roadway at this time or if he had been hit by another vehicle beforehand.

The Lakeland Police Department received a 911 call from an unknown citizen that there was a subject walking in the roadway on US 98 S, in front of Lakeland High School. The called stated the subject was a white male who appeared to be intoxicated. The 911 call came in approximately 1-2 minutes prior to this incident occurring. The roadway was shut down for approximately (4.5) hours and traffic barricades were also utilized for the road closures.

This case is still under investigation and follow-up will be made by a Traffic Homicide Investigator.

On July 23, 2014 at 2:06 a.m., the Lakeland Police Department responded to the 2600 block of South Florida Avenue in reference to a vehicle hitting a pedestrian which resulted in a fatality. South Florida Avenue is a four lane continuous left turn lane roadway with no center medians. A witness working with the victim was assisting in installing curb island crosswalks. The witness stated he was in the immediate area of the incident as a co-worker standing in front of a work truck. The witness heard several thumping sounds and responded to the rear of the work truck to see several damaged orange traffic barrels and the victim lying in the roadway. The witness then observed a dark colored truck traveling south on South Florida Avenue. The witness could not provide any make, model, and tag or driver information.

Based on the investigation, it appears that the suspects’ vehicle was traveling south on South Florida Avenue in the inside lane. The suspects’ vehicle struck several traffic barrels and struck the victim near the rear of the work truck. The victim came to final rest approximately 80 feet from point of impact in the inside southbound lane. The victim was wearing reflective safety clothing. The investigation is still ongoing and has been turned over to Traffic Homicide Investigator Michael Catalano. The next of kin has been notified.

Victim: Shelby K. Shull, 44 years old

218 E. Citrus Avenue, Apt. 2. , Eustis, Florida.

Anyone with information should contact Ofc. Mike Catalano 863-834-2558, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-226-8477. To remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward, you must contact Crime Stoppers.